Pack frame top bracket

ABSTRACT

A top bracket, preferably formed of a continuous tubular member, may be attached to the top of a tubular pack frame to form an extension of the frame. The structure extends the length of the frame and also projects laterally either rearwardly or forwardly of the frame in the form of a shelf or framework for lashing either loads or a shelter from the elements.

United States Patent Lawrence 1451 A 5, 1975 [54] PACK FRAIVIE TOP BRACKET 3123.300 l1/l9fi5 Moore ct zll. r 1 4 224/25 A 3563,43] 2/l97l Plety [75] Invent Lawr'mce' Utah 3.6ltL-489 10/1971 Parsons v. 224/35 A x [73] Assignee: Browning Arms Company Morgan.

Umh Primary lira!111':1 1'R0hcrt J4 Spar 2] Filed Jan [4 974 flu/A111! Exumincrlcr0ld M. F0rsherg rl/IUJHL'). Age/1!. or Firnl Dllvltl V Trusk [2l] Appl. Na: 433,300

[57] ABSTRACT [52] US. Cl 224/25 A A top bracket preferably formed of a continuous tu [5 1] Int, Cl, H A45f 3/10 bulur mcmben may be attached to the top of u tuhulzlr [58] Field of Search 124/25 A. 8 R 8 A 9, pack frame to form an extension of the frame The 224/10 structure extends the length of the frame and also projects laterally either rcurwardly 0r forwardly of the [56] Referen e Cited frame in the form of a shelf or framework for lashing UNlTED STATES PATENTS -l/l9fi5 Fzlrle 1. 124/4103 B either loads or a shelter from the elements.

8 Claims. 1 Drawing Figure PACK FRAME TOP BRACKET BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l. Field This invention pertains to backpack frames. especially of the tubular frame type. It specifically provides a top bracket attachment for such a pack frame.

2. State of the Art There are many types of hikers backpack frames in use. For example, see US. Letters Patent 3,563.43l. Some of these frames are made from tubular members fastened together in various ways. They generally include tubular upright side supports which define a common plane. Such frames are conventionally built in standard sizes which conveniently accomodate most loads. On occasion, extensions in length of the frame are desirable to facilitate lashing of higher loads or the lashing of loads higher with respect to the shoulders of the individual using the frame. Lashing of high loads on a conventional frame has been inconvenient and awkward because oblong heavy loads (such as a rifle) when lashed to a pliable pack bag or bundle tend to move or become loosened during transport.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention includes several structural elements arranged in the form of an extension bracket which can be attached to the top of a tubular pack frame to form an extension of the frame. The several elements include vertical coplaner side extensions, a corresponding pair of coplaner lateral extension members, and a connection member. The vertical side extension members are of approximately equal length and are adapted at one end to connect to the upper portion of the side supports of the frame. The lateral extension members are also of approximately equal length and are attached to and extend approximately normally away from the upper ends of the vertical side extension members. The connection member is attached to and extends between the distal ends of the lateral extension members. The connection member may be coplaner with or approximately parallel to the plane of the coplaner lateral extension members. The several elements may be separately constructed or formed of a continuous tube or conduit into the desired shape.

A notable characteristic of the bracket of this invention is that it does not simply straddle the top of the frame in a vertical plane defined by the frame proper. Rather, the bracket of the invention extends rearwardly in a lateral or horizontal plane. Optionally the bracket may be rotated 180 so that the shelf defined by the connecting member and the lateral extension members projects to the front or over the top of the head of an individual carrying the frame.

A principal advantage of the claimed bracket is that heavy loads may be lashed directly to the frames structure rather than to a pliable pack or luggage lashed to the frame. Backward extension also provides more clearance for headwear than is available in conventional frame extensions. The shelf defined by the extension members and connector facilitates lashing of loads either above or below the shelf.

With the bracket installed in the reverse position at a height that will clear the wearers head. it forms a framework for a sun or rain shelter over the wearers head. Moreover, heavy loads may be lashed above the head. The center of gravity of such a load is then up proximately in line with the center line of the wearers body when standing erect. As a result, the wearer is able to assume a more upright position with the load directly overhead. thereby avoiding the need to crouch or lean forward to keep his balance.

It is desirable to provide adjustment means so that the shelf portion of the bracket may be located at a desired height with respect to the head of the wearer. Various lashing lugs. pins. D" rings or other fittings may be provided to facilitate the lashing of loads.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1, which illustrates what is presently regarded as the best form for carrying out the invention, is an exploded perspective view of the invention in association with a simplified rendition of a pack frame and conventional connectors.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawing. the top bracket extension member 11 of this invention includes two side extension members 1201, l2b adapted to slide into corresponding side supports 13a, 13b of a tubular pack frame 14. As illustrated. both the tubular pack frame 14 and the bracket 11 are constructed of cylindrical conduit or tubing. The tubing of the bracket II is somewhat smaller in diameter than the tubing of the side supports 13 so that the side extensions 12a. l2h slide into the side supports I30. I31) in a telescoping or male/female arrangement. A plurality of bores 15 are provided in each of the vertical side extensions 12 near the bottom ends 16a, lb!) of the side extensions 12. Corresponding bores l7u, [7h at the top ends l8a, 18b of the side supports 13 are provided through the side supports 13 so that the bracket 1] may be vertically adjusted with respect to the frame 14. As shown. any of the bores 15 may be brought into a registering position with either bore 17 and fastened into place in conventional fashion with the pins [9. Locking rings 20 are provided to pass through a hole in the end of the pins 19 to lock the pins 19 in place, thereby to secure the pins I9 in place during use.

The lateral extension members 210, 2 lb are attached to the top ends 22a. 22b of the side extension members and 1211. The lateral extension members 21 are coplaner and extend approximately normally away from their respective side extension members 12a. I217. The connector member 23 is attached to the distal ends 24a, 24b of the lateral extension members 210. 2lb to extend therebetween in the same plane as or in approximately the plane of the lateral extension members Zl. The lateral extension members 21, the side extension members 12 and the connector member 23 may be separate members assembled in the arrangement herein described or they may be fashioned from a single conduit or tube which is formed into the desired shape.

Lateral extension members 21a. Zlb and connector member 23 together comprise an approximately horizontal shelf which may be mounted to extend either rearwardly or forwardly with respect to the frame 14. That is. the bracket ll may be attached to frame 14 so that the lateral extension members 21 and connector member 23 are to the rear of the frame 14 as herein il lustrated. Alternately the bracket I] may be attached to extend forward. if desired by the user. Preferably. the side extension members I2 are of sufficient length to allow the lateral extension members and connector member 23 to extend above or over the top of the head of the user. Loads secured to the bracket 11 when the bracket ll extends over the top of the head are more nearly in line with the center of the users body. Less static moment results with the load above the head, permitting the user to walk more erect.

It is within contemplation that means other than the illustrated bores l5, l7 and pins 19 may be used as attachment means. Such attachment means may provide for infinite adjustment of the vertical position of the bracket 11 with respect to the frame 14. Moreover. various accessories and fittings may be associated with the bracket 11 as desired for particular applications to facilitate lashing or carrying of special loads. For example, a fabric covering may be stretched atop the shelf portion of the bracket as a protection against the elements whether or not loads are lashed to the bracket.

Reference herein to specific details of the illustrated embodiment should not be taken as restricting the intended scope of the claims which themselves recite those details regarded as essential to the invention.

I claim:

I. In a backpack frame for hikers having at least two spaced. upright eoplaner side supports. the improvement which comprises a top shelf extension formed from:

a pair of side extension members of approximately equal length, each of which carries releasable means to connect the lower portion thereof in longitudinally adjustable relationship to the upper portion of either of said side supports thereby selectively extending the effective lengths of said side supports to above the head of a hiker wearing said frame;

a pair of coplaner lateral extension members of approximately equal length extending from attachment to and approximately normal to the upper ends of respective said side extension members; and

a connection member extending from attachment be tween the distal ends of said lateral extension members approximately parallel the plane defined by said lateral extension members such that said side extension members. said lateral extension members and said connection member define a top shelf for said frame which may be selectively positioned either to the front of said frame above the head of a hiker wearing such frame or rearwardly of said frame.

2. The improvement of claim I wherein the upper portion of said side supports and the lower portion of said side extension members carry adjustment means cooperative to connect said supports to said members at selected locations thereby selectively to adjust the effective length of said side supports.

3. The improvement of claim 2 wherein said adjustment means comprise a plurality of lateral bores through said side supports and said side extension members located so that a selected bore through a said side support may be selectively registered with any selected bore through a said side extension member.

4. The improvement of claim l wherein said side supports are of tubular construction and said side extension members are also of tubular construction with similar cross sectional configuration but sized relative to said side supports to slideably, coaxially engage said supports in a male/female relationship.

5. The improvement of claim 4 wherein said top bracket is formed from a single piece of tubing.

6. In combination. a backpack frame having at least two spaced upright coplaner supports and a rigid adjustable top bracket which is comprised of:

a pair of side extension members of approximately equal length, each of which is releasably connected in longitudinally adjustable relationship to the upper portion of one of said side supports thereby selectively extending the effective lengths of said side supports to above the head of a hiker wearing said frame;

a pair of coplaner lateral extension members of approximately equal length extending from attachment to and approximately normal to the upper ends of respective said side extension members; and

a connection member extending from attachment be tween the distal ends of said lateral extension members approximately parallel the plane defined by said lateral extension members such that said side extension members, said lateral extension members and said connection member define a top shelf for said frame which may be selectively positioned either to the front of said frame above the head of a hiker wearing such frame or rearwardly of said frame.

7. The combination of claim 6 wherein the upper portion of said side supports and the lower portion of said side extension members carry adjustment means cooperative to connect said side supports to said side extension members at selected locations thereby to selectively adjust the effective length of said side sup' ports.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said adjustment means comprise a plurality of lateral bores through said side supports and said side extension members located so that a selected bore through a said side support may be selectively registered with any se' lected bore through a said side extension member. 

1. In a backpack frame for hikers having at least two spaced, upright coplaner side supports, the improvement which comprises a top shelf extension formed from: a pair of side extension members of approximately equal length, each of which carries releasable means to connect the lower portion thereof in longitudinally adjustable relationship to the upper portion of either of said side supports thereby selectively extending the effective lengths of said side supports to above the head of a hiker wearing said frame; a pair of coplaner lateral extension members of approximately equal length extending from attachment to and approximately normal to the upper ends of respective said side extension members; and a connection member extending from attachment between the distal ends of said lateral extension members approximately parallel the plane defined by said lateral extension members such that said side extension members, said lateral extension members and said connection member define a top shelf for said frame which may be selectively positioned either to the front of said frame above the head of a hiker wearing such frame or rearwardly of said frame.
 2. The improvement of claim 1 wherein the upper portion of said side supports and the lower portion of said side extension members carry adjustment means cooperative to connect said supports to said members at selected locations thereby selectively to adjust the effective length of said side supports.
 3. The improvement of claim 2 wherein said adjustment means comprise a plurality of lateral bores through said side supports and said side extension members located so that a selected bore through a said side support may be selectively registered with any selected bore through a said side extension member.
 4. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said side supports are of tubular construction and said side extension members are also of tubular construction with similar cross sectional configuration but sized relative to said side supports to slideably, coaxially engage said supports in a male/female relationship.
 5. The improvement of claim 4 wherein said top bracket is formed from a single piece of tubing.
 6. In conbination, a backpack frame having at least two spaced upright coplaner supports and a rigid adjustable top bracket which is comprised of: a pair of side extension members of approximately equal length, each of which is releasably connected in longitudinally adjustable relationship to the upper portion of one of said side supports thereby selectively extending the effective lengths of said side supports to above the head of a hiker wearing said frame; a pair of coplaner lateral extension members of approximately equal length extending from attachment to and approximately normal to the upper ends of respective said side extension members; and a connection member extending from attachment between the distal ends of said lateral extension members approximately parallel the plane defined by said lateral extension members such that said side extension members, said lateral extension members and said connection member define a top shelf for said frame which may be selectively positioned either to the front of said frame above the head of a hiker wearing such frame or rearwardly of said frame.
 7. The combination of claim 6 wherein the upper portion of said side supports and the lower portion of said side extension members carry adjustment means cooperative to connect said side supports to said side extension members at selected locations thereby to selectively adjust the effective length of said side supports.
 8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said adjustment means comprise a plurality of lateral bores through said side supports and said side extension members located so that a selected bore through a said side support may be selectively registered with any selected bore through a said side extension member. 